For all the aspects of the Houston Astros’ success that the Orioles are trying to duplicate in their rebuild, there is one in particular manager Brandon Hyde has fixated on of late: plate discipline.
No team has struck out fewer times than Houston. Few have walked more. The Astros lead the majors in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The Orioles, meanwhile, have the fourth-fewest walks and third-lowest on-base percentage in the league.
That’s what makes rookie slugger Ryan Mountcastle’s recent stretch so encouraging. For the first time as a major leaguer, Mountcastle has walked in three straight games.